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OEHS Directory

Art Safety

Art SafetyArt creation and study are traditionally viewed as non-hazardous occupations. Unfortunately, this common misconception fails to show that an artist may encounter many of the same hazardous materials and operations that are found in industrial applications including solvents, dusts, fumes, mists, dyes, and a variety of physical hazards including machinery with moving parts, noise, sharp objects and extreme heat.

The key to safety in the art studio and teaching area is to know the hazards that may be encountered and how to protect oneself from harm. This information must be obtained before starting an activity instead of waiting for an emergency to occur. Employees, students and visitors must be familiar with proper work practices and personal protective equipment and follow applicable safety guidelines. Also, employees and students must be aware of what fellow workers are doing to prevent becoming the victim of their mistakes.

The University of New Hampshire is committed to the safety of all faculty, staff, students, and visitors in drawing, painting, photography, and sculpture studios, as well as woodworking and printmaking shops. In an effort to ensure a safe teaching and working environment, the Office of Environmental Health and Safety and the Art Safety Committee are currently developing an Art Safety Program.

UNH Art Safety Committee

Ceramics: Maryse Searls-McConnell
Drawing: Brian Chu
Painting: Grant Drumheller
Photography: Andrew Warren
Printmaking: Scott Schnepf
Sculpture: Ben Cariens
Wood Working: Lynn Szymanski
Graduate Student: Vacant

Art Safety Resources

Art and the Environment (A workshop for Art Colleges and University Art Programs)
EH&S in the Arts: Proper Management of Waste and Residuals from Art Studios and Shop Practices
Safety and Environmental Protection in the Arts
(Chemical Health & Safety - American Chemical Society)
Safety Guide for Art Studios (United Educators)
Best Management Practices for Fine Art Painting Studios (Narragansett Bay Commission)

Art Safety Links

College Art Association
East Carolina University - Art Safety Plan
Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Art Safety Program
Princeton University - Art Safety Program
Rhode Island School of Design - Art Safety Program
Rutgers University - Art Safety Program

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